These 13 Adorable Pictures of Golden Retrievers Will Melt Your Heart

Ah, the classic golden retriever. They're one of the most popular dog breeds in America, and there's no surprise why. Besides being smart, active dogs, they're also gorgeous and oh so photogenic. It's no wonder goldens are some of the biggest pet influencers filling our feeds!

golden retriever in water
golden retriever in water

Courtesy of meeting_margo / Instagram

Whether you're celebrating National Golden Retriever Day (February 3), having a 'ruff' day, or are just on a search for some cute puppy photos, you've come to the right place.

Gus

He's a runner, he's a track star! No seriously, Gus crushes the competition in agility courses. He especially loves dock diving and has even earned his Dock Elite title. What a good boy.

Hinckley Parks

It seriously can't get any cuter than this. Hinckley Parks' baby brother Teddy loves to snuggle in all his soft golden fur, and we can't blame him. It's no wonder golden retrievers are one of the best family pets in America: they're great with kids!

Jaxson & Sawyer

Ah, the classic birthday photo with the sibling. But this one with Jaxson and Sawyer actually turned out adorable! The only thing that seems to be missing from the party are some birthday treats ...

Margo

Who doesn't love splashing around in the water on a hot summer day? Swimming is one of the best ways for dogs to get exercise, and golden retrievers are natural at it. Plus, Margo's coat is absolutely glowing in the sunshine—how photogenic!

Maggie

Maggie's glasses make her look to be one smart cookie—because she probably is! Golden retrievers are one of the smartest dog breeds. She's serving sophistication, and we're here for it.

Arrowood Family

What's better than a golden? Five goldens! Sage, Waverly, Tori, Jimmie, and baby Presley are the definition of family goals. I mean, how often can you get five pups to look at the camera?

Thor

As long as the camera's off, the boss won't suspect a thing, right? After watching us all struggle through WFH life for a year, our dogs are sure going to miss us when we return to the office. Or maybe they'll be like Thor the golden retriever and replace us altogether.

Louie

Talk about #lifegoals! Nothing feels better than a car ride with the windows down and the wind blowing through your hair fur.

Krembo

Uh, hello, tongue! Krembo's letting it all hang out and we can't blame him. If only we could reach through the screen and boop that nose.

Gamja & Chip

These are some besties for life. Gamja (Korean for potato) and Chip are seriously the cutest BFFs ever. And also have us craving some snacks.

RELATED: 153 of the Cutest Food Names for Dogs That Like Snacks as Much as You Do

Lola

What a gorgeous pup! We could all use a little frolic through a flower field some days, but we'll have to live vicariously through Lola for now.

Henry

Golden retrievers make wonderful service animals, and Henry proves that they can look good while doing so. He deserves all the pets in the world—but only once he's off the clock.

Drake

Cue the "awwwws" because this is one of the cutest dogs we've ever seen. His smile tells us all we need to know: he's definitely one of the happiest golden retrievers in the world.